Sanitary Clip Assembly

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a clip assembly for use in securing a folded portion of apparel to avoid a contact between the folded portion of the apparel and a contaminated floor of a public facility. The clip assembly includes at least one clip and a case for enclosing the at least one clip. Each clip of the at least one clip includes a pair of clip members and a coupling mechanism disposed between the pair of clip members. The coupling mechanism is configured to enable a clip to assume a close position and an open position. In the close position, the at least one clip is capable of securing the folded portion of the apparel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to hygiene articles, and, more particularly, to a hygiene article used for avoiding a contact of apparel of a person to a contaminated floor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Use of public facilities, such as a toilet, a restroom and a lavatory, is a part of our daily life. In a majority of public facilities, the floors are the areas that may be contaminated with germs, such as microbes and bacteria. Any person using such a public facility should avoid a contact between his/her apparel and the floor of the facility, for hygienic and sanitary reasons. Specifically, a person wearing apparel, such as pants or a long skirt, should avoid such contacts to prevent his/her apparel from getting contaminated with the germs on the floor.

It has been customary that people generally hold their apparel in a raised position by their hands for avoiding the contact between the apparel and the floor. In some instances people even fold hem portions or cuff portions of the apparel for avoiding such contact. However, a folded portion of the apparel may unfold upon loosely folding the apparel, which may result in contaminating the apparel with the germs. Additionally, while using the public facility, holding the apparel by hands may be a cumbersome task.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a suitable mechanism, which should be capable of avoiding a contact between apparel and a floor of a public facility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of foregoing disadvantage inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a suitable mechanism, to include all the advantages of the prior art, and overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.

An object of the present invention is to provide a suitable mechanism for use in securing a folded portion of apparel thereto to avoid a contact between the apparel and a floor of a public facility.

In light of the above object, in one aspect, the present invention provides the suitable mechanism, such as a clip assembly. The clip assembly includes at least one clip and a case for enclosing the at least one clip therein. Each clip of the at least one clip is capable of securing a folded portion of apparel thereto. Each clip includes a pair of clip members and a coupling mechanism disposed between the pair of clip members. Each clip member of the pair of clip members has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. The coupling mechanism is configured to enable first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume a close position and open position of the pair of clip members. The open position of the pair of clip members is assumed upon pressing second end portions of the pair of clip members. The first end portions of the pair of clip members are adapted to secure the folded portion of the apparel thereto in the close position of the pair of clip members.

In another aspect of the present invention, a clip for securing a folded portion of apparel thereto is disclosed. The clip includes a pair of clip members and a coupling mechanism disposed between the pair of clip members. Each clip member of the pair of clip members has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. The coupling mechanism is configured to enable first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume a close position of the pair of clip member. The coupling mechanism is further configured to enable the first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume an open position of the pair of clip members upon pressing second end portions of the pair of clip members. The first end portions of the pair of clip members are adapted to secure the folded portion of the apparel thereto in the close position of the pair of clip members.

These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a clip assembly, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a clip in an open position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an application of the clip, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes and are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a clip assembly, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another.

The present invention provides a clip assembly for use as a hygiene article. The clip assembly is configured to secure a folded portion of apparel, such as a pant leg or a long skirt, thereto for avoiding a contact between the apparel and a floor of a public facility, such as a toilet, a restroom and a lavatory. The floor of the public facility may be contaminated with germs and accordingly, the floor will be hereinafter referred to as ‘contaminated floor’ in the description that follows. More specifically, a folded cuff portion or a folded hem portion of the apparel is secured by the clip assembly, such that the folded cuff portion or the folded hem portion of the apparel is avoided from getting spoiled by the contaminated floor of the public facility.

Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a perspective view of a clip assembly 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The clip assembly 100 includes at least one clip, such as a clip 110 a and a clip 110 b, and a case 150 for enclosing the clips 110 a and 110 b. The case 150 includes a pair of compartments, such as a compartment 152 a and a compartment 152 b for enclosing the clip 110 a and the clip 110 b therein, respectively.

The clip 110 a includes a pair of clip members, such as a clip member 112 a and a clip member 114 a, and a coupling mechanism 130 a. The coupling mechanism 130 a is disposed between the clip member 112 a and the clip member 114 a. The clip member 112 a includes a first end portion 116 a and a second end portion 118 a, which is opposite to the first end portion 116 a. Similarly, the clip member 114 a includes a first end portion 120 a and a second end portion 122 a, opposite to the first end portion 120 a.

The coupling mechanism 130 a is configured to functionally couple the clip member 112 a and the clip member 114 a, such that the clip members 112 a and 114 a may move pivotally about the coupling mechanism 130 a. Moreover, the coupling mechanism 130 a is configured to enable the first end portions 116 a and 120 a of the clip members 112 a and 114 a, respectively, to assume a close position. In one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling mechanism 130 a includes extended arms (not shown) extending from ends of the coupling mechanism 130 a, such that the extended arms are coupled to the clip members 112 a and 114 a. The extended arms of the coupling mechanism 130 a exerts a force of compression on the clip members 112 a and 114 a, such that clip members 112 a and 114 a tend to come into contact about the first end portions 116 a and 120 a. Herein, such a positioning of the clip members 112 a and 114 a may be referred to as a ‘close position’. The close position of the clip members 112 a and the 114 a is illustrated in the FIG. 1.

The coupling mechanism 130 a is further configured to enable the first end portions 116 a and 120 a to assume an open position. More specifically, the first end portions 116 a and 120 a tend to move away from each other and attain the open position, upon pressing the second end portions 118a and 122 a of the clip members 112 a and 114 a, respectively. In one embodiment of the present invention, in the open position of the clip members 112 a and 114 a, the extended arms of the coupling mechanism 130 a may expand due a force applied on the second end portions 118 a and 122 a, thereby causing the first end portions 116 a and 120 a to move apart for attaining the open position. The open position of the clip members 112 a and 114 a will be explained further in conjunction with FIG. 2.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the coupling mechanism 130 a is a spring mechanism. However, it will be apparent to person skilled in the art that the coupling mechanism 130 a may be any mechanical arrangement capable of enabling the pivotal movement of the clip members 112 a and 114 a about the coupling mechanism 130 a, such that the clip members 112 a and 114 a may attain the close position or the open position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the clip members 112 a and 114 a further includes a grip element 124 a and a grip element 126 a, respectively. The grip element 124 a and 126 a are disposed on the first end portions 116 a and 120 a of the clip members 112 a and 114 a, respectively as depicted in FIG. 2. The grip elements 124 a and 126 a are disposed on an inner surface of the first end portions 116 a and 120 a, respectively, such that grip elements 124 a and 126 a may come into contact in the close position of the clip members 112 a and 114 a. The grip elements 124 a and 126 a further assist in holding an object between the first end portions 116 a and 120 a. The grip elements 124 a and 126 a may be composed of a rubber material. However, the grip elements 124 a and 126 a may also be composed of other materials, such as plastic, and the like.

As disclosed herein, the clip assembly 100 further includes the clip 110 b. The components of the clip 110 b are structurally and functionally similar to the corresponding components of the clip 110 a. For example, the clip 110 b includes a pair of clip members, such as a clip member 112 b and a clip member 114 b similar in configuration to the clip members 112 a and 114 a of the clip 110 a, and a coupling mechanism 130 b similar in configuration to the coupling mechanism 130 a of the clip 110 a. Similarly, the clip member 112 b includes a first end portion 116 b and a second end portion 118 b and the clip member 114 b includes a first end portion 120 b and a second end portion 122 b. Furthermore, the clip members 112 b and 114 b include grip elements (not shown) similar to the grip elements 124 a and 126 a of the clip members 112 a and 114 a, respectively. The clips 110 a and 110 b is accommodated in the compartments 152 a and 152 b of the case 150. The representation of the case 150 in FIG. 1 is for the exemplary purposes only and it will be apparent to those ordinary skilled in the art that the case 150 may be designed in other configurations and shapes known in the art.

Referring specifically to FIG. 2, a perspective view of the clip 110 a is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Herein, the clip 110 a is represented in an open position, i.e., the clip members 112 a and 114 a are in the open position. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, the clip members 112 a and 114 a of the clip 110 a is capable of attaining the open position upon pressing the second end portions 118 a and 122 a of the clip members 112 a and 114 a, respectively. As represented in FIG. 2, a force F and a force F′ is applied on the second end portions 118 a and 122 a, respectively, for attaining the open position of the clip 110 a. Upon applying the forces F and F′ on the second end portions 118 a and 122 a, respectively, the coupling mechanism 130 a tends to expand, which in turn, tends the clip members 112 a and 114 a to move pivotally apart from each other about the coupling mechanism 130 a until the second end portions 118 a and 122 a comes in contacts. Once the second end portions 118 a and 122 a are in contact, the first end portions 116 a and 120 a are distant apart for configuring the open position of the clip 110 a. Further, upon removing the forces F and F′ from the second end portions 118 a and 122 a, respectively, the clip members 112 a and 114 a attain the close position, which is also the close position of the clip 110 a.

The close position of the clip 110 a is capable of being used for securing a folded portion of apparel thereto. It will be evident to a person skilled in the art that the term “close position of the clip 110 a” used herein does not necessarily refer to only cases when the first end portions 116 a and 120 a are in close contact. However, ‘the close position’ of the clip 110 a also refers to a position of the clip 110 a, where the clip 110 a is partially opened to accommodate the folded portion of the apparel therebetween, such that the first end portions 116 a and 120 a of the clip members 112 a and 114 a are in contact with the folded portion of the apparel, which is shown in FIG. 3. Further, the first end portions 116 a and 120 a are configured with the grip elements 124 a and 126 a composed of the rubber material, as explained in conjunction with FIG. 1. The rubber material of the grip elements 124 a and 126 a enables in avoiding wrinkles to be formed on the folded portion of the apparel and providing a firm grip to the folded portion upon securing the folded portion with the clip 110 a.

Referring to FIG. 3, an application of a clip such as the clip 110 a is illustrated, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The clip 110 a and the clip 110 b (not shown in FIG. 3) may be utilized by a person using a public convenience place, such as a toilet, a restroom and a lavatory. More specifically, the person before entering the public facility may fold a cuff portion or a hem portion of the apparel and secures the clip 110 a thereto. FIG. 3 illustrates the clip 110 a securing a folded portion 202 of apparel, such as a trouser 204, thereto. Therefore, the folded portion 202 of the apparel is positioned well above a contaminated floor 206 of the public facility, such that the folded portion 202 is avoided from contacting the contaminated floor 206. Accordingly, the use of clip 110 a may be hygienic for the person using the public facility. Further, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that both of the clips 110 a and 110 b of the clip assembly 100 will be used for securing the folded portion of the trouser 204, i.e., one for each leg of the trouser 204.

Once the use of the clips 110 a and 110 b is over, the clips 110 a and 110 b may be enclosed in the case 150. As explained in conjunction with FIG. 1, the case 150 includes the pair of compartments 152 a and 152 b for enclosing the clips 110 a and 110 b. Accordingly, the case 150 facilitates an easy portability of the clips 110 a and 110 b by storing the clips 110 a and 110 b, therein. In an embodiment of the present invention, the case 150 further includes an antimicrobial coating disposed on the case 150. The antimicrobial coating disposed on the case 150 may be utilized for the hygiene purposes for the person using the clip assembly 100. The antimicrobial coating may be composed of nano silver particles. Hence the clip assembly 100 may also be referred to as sanitary clips assembly, as the use of the clip assembly 100 by a person in the public facility facilitates in taking precautions for the hygiene purposes. Further, in another embodiment of the present invention, clips similar to the clips 110 a and 110 b may be used and carried by the user without the requirement of a case, such as the case 150

The clip assembly, explained in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 3, may be advantageously used to prevent apparel from getting spoiled while using the public facility. The clip assembly of the present invention may be configured to have variety of sizes and designs, such that the clip assembly is aesthetically pleasing and may be used by people of all age groups. In one embodiment of the present invention, a clip of the clip assembly is configured having preferred dimensions such as a length of about 1.5 inches (in), a width of about 1 in and a height of about 0.5 in. Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, the clip members of the clip are composed of a plastic material and the coupling mechanism is composed of a metal. Additionally, the clip assembly of the present invention may be mass manufactured in a cost effective manner.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 

1. A clip assembly, comprising: at least one clip, each clip of the at least one clip capable of securing a folded portion of apparel thereto, the each clip comprising a pair of clip members, each clip member of the pair of clip members having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, and a coupling mechanism disposed between the pair of clip members, the coupling mechanism configured to enable first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume a close position of the pair of clip members, and enable the first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume an open position of the pair of clip members upon pressing second end portions of the pair of clip members, wherein the first end portions of the pair of clip members are adapted to secure the folded portion of the apparel thereto in the close position of the pair of clip members; and a case for enclosing the at least one clip therein.
 2. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism is a spring mechanism.
 3. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the each clip member of the pair of clip members comprises a grip element disposed on the first end portion of the each clip member.
 4. The clip assembly of claim 3, wherein the grip element is composed of a rubber material.
 5. The clip assembly of claim 1, wherein the clip assembly further comprises an antimicrobial coating disposed on the case.
 6. The clip assembly of claim 5, wherein the antimicrobial coating is composed of nano silver particles.
 7. A clip for securing a folded portion of apparel thereto, the clip comprising: a pair of clip members, each clip member of the pair of clip members having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion; and a coupling mechanism disposed between the pair of clip members, the coupling mechanism configured to enable first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume a close position of the pair of clip members, and enable the first end portions of the pair of clip members to assume an open position of the pair of clip members upon pressing second end portions of the pair of clip members, wherein the first end portions of the pair of clip members are adapted to secure the folded portion of the apparel thereto in the close position of the pair of clip members.
 8. The clip of claim 7, wherein the coupling mechanism is a spring mechanism.
 9. The clip of claim 7, wherein the each clip member of the pair of clip members comprises a grip element disposed on the first end portion of the each clip member.
 10. The clip of claim 9, wherein the grip element is composed of a rubber material. 